Christmas Courage.
No, that’s not the name of the latest Hallmark movie (although now that I think about it …). Rather, it is a new perspective that I was pondering this morning.
‘Courage’ is not an attribute that readily comes to mind when thinking of Christmas. I normally associate the words joy, peace and hope with this time of year, but I don’t think I’ve ever thought of courage.
So why am I thinking of it now? I was doing my devotions this morning and started thinking about all of the people involved in that first Christmas. And the word ‘courage’ kept popping up in my mind.
Mary- an unwed virgin teen, about to give birth
Joseph- a man betrothed to a woman who is pregnant (and not with his child)
The wise men- three men on a mission to meet a new King and in the process defy the orders of another King
The shepherds- they leave their flocks (their very livelihood) to meet the Savior
Jesus- God’s son, giving everything up to take on human flesh with the full understanding of His final mission: the cross
Courage. Over and over again it presents itself in this story. And now that I see it, I can’t help but wonder how I’ve missed it all these years.
I wonder in what ways we could put this message into action. Maybe it is as simple as calling someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Or perhaps you feel called to give of your time or your money in a way you haven’t before. Let me know what you might do- I’d love to get a ‘Christmas Courage’ list going!
So good, Steph. Have courage this season to keep your hope and dreams alive. You’re very special to Him…. and to me.
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I took the kids to a nursing home today to sing Christmas carols. It took a lot of courage because we hadn’t practiced and I haven’t done that before. I had to overcome my desire to opt out last minute and I’m so glad I did! It was very sweet to see the resisidence smile and the doctors and aids were lifted up by it too. I especially loved that my 9 year old daughter, who didn’t want to go, say she loved it and wants to go again!❤
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